Senior Mary Kate Quaid not only delivers for the Wolves' softball team, but her loud and infectious personality provides stability in leadership, whether she is playing the shortstop or catching position. Already signed to play next year in college, Mary Kate is focused on the task at hand: helping her team in whatever capacity is needed to finish the regular season on a high note and lead her team deep into the playoffs, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.
Mary Kate started playing recreational softball at age 8 for the Wheatland Spikes before joining their travel program. “Playing softball has taught Mary Kate valuable life lessons such as being punctual, working hard, being respectful, responsible, and learning how to be a team player,” says Debbie Quaid, Mary Kate’s mom. She goes on to say, “Mary Kate learned that no matter which way the game is going, you always need to stay positive, have a good attitude, and never give up.”
That positivity is something Head Coach Sarah Davies-Dymanus has recognized in Mary Kate since she became a member of the program. “Mary is an outgoing and fun person who has an infectious personality and an amazing laugh,” says Sarah. She adds, “Mary Kate brings a calming presence on the field but is able to take charge and hype the team up when needed.”
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Assistant coach Brian Chandler, who also coaches Mary Kate in golf, has relied on her leadership in both sports, saying, “I say this positively, but Mary Kate is very loud. She captains the infield with her voice at short and is one of our players who always ensures people are where they need to be.”
Mary Kate has been a member of the varsity program for the last three seasons, providing her with the opportunity to grow as both a person and player. “Being a student-athlete at OE has helped Mary Kate be a better student by keeping her accountable for completing assignments, maintaining good grades, and understanding time management,” says Debbie.
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This season, Mary Kate has been a leader from the shortstop and catching positions and a force at the plate. She boasts a .387 batting average, a .433 on-base percentage, 31 hits, 20 RBIs, 21 runs, and perhaps most impressively, has only struck out twice in 91 plate appearances. “Mary is a powerhouse hitter and is always able to put the ball in play, even against the toughest pitchers we face,” says Sarah.
Mary is committed to the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh to play softball and is leaning towards majoring in business, specifically sports marketing, where she can combine her bright personality and passion for athletics. Mary Kate’s Sports Marketing teacher, Mark Green, believes she will thrive in the field, saying, “Mary Kate is a positive, thoughtful person. She is a hard-working, cooperative student and often leads by example during class activities and group projects. Her positive attitude, ability to communicate, and cooperative spirit will certainly help her succeed in a career in sports marketing.”
While her future is set, Mary Kate is focused on the present and doing all she can to help lead her team. “I want to set the best example possible, especially for the younger players in the program,” says Mary Kate. She adds, “When I was a sophomore, I looked up to the seniors on varsity, so I know others will do the same with me and I want to give them the best example to model.”
The Wolves have earned the 6th seed in the tough Plainfield North sectional and will square off with Nequa Valley on Wednesday, May 22nd. The next 12 days will be pivotal for the Wolves, hopefully setting themselves up to be playing their best softball entering the playoffs. With only 3 days left of school, Mary Kate reflects on her experiences at East and provides advice to future Wolves, saying, “Try and be involved in as much as you can, whether that’s sports or clubs because it helps develop a lot of friendships and build trust with coaches and teachers.” Mary Kate will be asked to be heavily involved as a leader for the Wolves as they march to the playoffs, hoping to use her voice and bat to lead the way.
